Alebtong district health officer charged over sh165m loss granted bail

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The acting district health officer of Alebtong district has been released on bail after being charged with causing financial loss of sh165 million in connection with payments allegedly made irregularly to a construction company.

Dr Tony Odung, 45, a resident of Alebtong town council, was on February 24, 2026, arraigned before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court and charged with one count of causing financial loss.

On March 5, 2026, Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe granted Odung bail on a cash bond of sh8 million, while his two sureties were each required to execute a non-cash bond of sh50 million.

Magistrate Asiimwe noted that the sureties presented in court by the accused were substantial and that the court could rely on them to trace him or recover the money in the event that he absconds from trial.

Chief state attorney Abigail Agaba, from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alleges that Odung and others irregularly authorised payment to a construction company for works that had not been executed.

According to court documents, Odung, together with Ben Ogwete Otim, the chief administrative officer, and Andeoye Stephen, the chief finance officer, both employees of Alebtong District Local Government, allegedly authorised the payment of sh165 million to Otada Construction Company Limited during the 2018/2019 financial year for works that were not carried out.

Otim and Andeoye were not present in court when Odung was charged.

Prosecution’s case

Prosecution alleges that the payment was made under contract reference MoH-UGIFT/WKS/2018/19/0001-20, contrary to procurement laws and established procedures.

It is further alleged that the accused, while employed by the Government of Uganda in their respective capacities, had reason to believe that authorising payment for unexecuted works would cause financial loss to Alebtong District Local Government. He denied the charge.

What the law says

Under Section (20) (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, a person convicted of the offence of causing financial loss is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Shs4.8 million or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 14 years, or both.

In addition, a person convicted under the Anti-Corruption Act is barred from holding public office for a period of ten years.

The case was adjourned to April 15, 2026, for the prosecution to update the court on the progress of the case.